National Memory Day

The power of poetry and creative writing to improve the lives of those affected by memory loss

The potential for creative writing and poetry to
empower those affected by memory loss is celebrated by National
Memory Day, a project led by Literature Works, in partnership with University of Plymouth, Alzheimer’s Society and
The Poetry Archive.

The project is raising funds to provide a programme of workshops in the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Cafés and reminiscence therapy groups around the UK, which explore memories
through the recital and recollection of poetry.

The first National Memory Day is 18 May 2017.

Coming Back to Me

Written by
poet Karen Hayes, using lines contributed by people whose lives have been
touched by dementia; read here by researchers, poets and supporters of the
National Memory Day Project.

At the launch
of National Memory Day, we asked you to create a poem inspired by your own
experiences of dementia. The first line was contributed by Sir Andrew
Motion, President of National Memory Day and former Poet Laureate.

This is what
you created.

National Memory Day Creative Writing Competition

An open call for creative writing submissions was started at the launch of National Memory Day in June 2016. Over 1,300 entries were received from across the world and the prize-winners will be announced on the inaugural National Memory Day on 18 June. Prizes include Best Poem (sponsored by the National Memory Day Partnership), Best Short Story (Sponsored by Literature Works), University of Plymouth Best Young Writer (15-18) and Primary Carer Voice (sponsored by Alzheimer's Society.

The winners will be announced on the first National Memory Day on 18 May 2017 – look out for the announcement on the National Memory Day website: National Memory Day website or join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NationalMemoryDay.